On Saturday, US President Joe Biden conferred the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honour, on 19 winners at the White House. “For the final time as president I have the honour bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honour, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said during the observance.

The prize was also handed to fashion icon Anna Wintour, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, and Bono, the frontman of rock band U2. As was William Nye, also known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Biden also recognized basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five titles, and football great Lionel Messi, among others. The remaining awardees included fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Spanish American chef and philanthropist Jose Andres, and conservationist Jane Goodall.

Several posthumous medals were also handed out. Robert F. Kennedy, father of Trump ally Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and George W. Romney, father of Mitt Romney, one of Trump’s main conservative opponents

The medal is granted to “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavours,” according to a White House statement. Previous honorees include Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa.

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